The INM is looking for enthusiastic Doctoral Researchers interested in developing Engineered Living Materials. This research combines materials science and synthetic biology to develop smart platforms for therapeutic, biosensing, and bioremediation applications. We are seeking to fill four Doctoral Researcher positions for projects involving bacterial synthetic biology, polymer synthesis, bio-inspired nanostructure synthesis, microscopy and physico-chemical analyses. The positions offer experience in cutting-edge scientific research, ample opportunities for comprehensive training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and collaborative exchange with other projects and doctoral researchers. The four positions focus on the following topics:
- Use of high-throughput methods to study biofactory growth and metabolic function within hydrogels as function of material and external factors
- Synthesis of functional hybrid nanostructures using bioinspired pathways and biogenic enzymes
- Engineering of probiotic bacteria with genetic circuits that ensure their biocontainment within the material
- The engineering of bacterial biofilm-based materials for sensing environmental pollutants and for producing a novel reporter that allows remote readout
Your profile:
Depending on the project, we are seeking enthusiastic candidates with a degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, microbiology or related fields. The candidates will be part of international, multi-disciplinary teams in which English is the primary language of communication and reporting. Since we work on application-oriented research, candidates with entrepreneurial interests are appreciated.
What we offer:
- A 3-year contract with the possibility of prolongation for a fourth year.
- A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with excellent, state-of-the-art infrastructure.
- A cooperative, friendly, and supportive environment, with plenty of opportunities to interact with other researchers, also outside the team and the institute.
- The opportunity for training to support high-quality research and to further develop your profile.
Contact and application:
Please send us the following through the online application system:
- Motivation letter with an indication to which of the topics you aim to contribute
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Publication list (if available)
- Academic transcripts
- Contact details of 2 references
The deadline for submission is April 30, 2024.
For more information on the institute, please see: https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/
The INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy, and it provides offers for a better work-life balance, flextime, and mobile working. We promote professional opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.
